Florida Fisherman Killed in Fatal Alligator Attack at Winter Garden Pond
A 71-year-old man was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing in Winter Garden, Florida. Officials urge caution near local wildlife habitats.
POLICY WIRE — Winter Garden, Florida — A 71-year-old man lost his life Friday after being pulled into a pond by a massive alligator. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the victim was Steve Hamilton, who had been fishing at the time of the incident.
The fatal encounter occurred around 5 p.m. at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, a site featuring several ponds linked to Lake Apopka. The area is well-known for its alligator population, with the park even featuring a designated crossing point known as Gator Bridge.
Winter Garden Police Capt. Michael Mason noted that the presence of alligators in this part of the city is common due to the proximity of Lake Apopka. According to authorities, Hamilton was standing on the shore when the reptile dragged him into the water. Wildlife officials subsequently captured and removed an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator from the scene.
Capt. Mason urged the public to remain vigilant and respectful of local wildlife, warning that animals that appear docile can still pose significant dangers. This tragedy marks the second fatal alligator attack in Florida this year.
Earlier in 2025, 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema was killed while canoeing in Polk County in May, and 73-year-old Deborah Herndon was found dead in a Pinellas County residential pond in December. These incidents follow a 2024 record that saw 13 attacks, including eight major encounters and two fatalities.
While Florida is home to hundreds of thousands of alligators, unprovoked attacks remain relatively infrequent. Since the state began tracking these statistics in 1948, there have been 32 fatal alligator attacks, with the annual death toll never exceeding three.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
